Both criminal cases against Topeka-based animal rescue Saving Death Row Dogs will go to a municipal court trial next month.

Director Jan Price on Thursday pleaded not guilty to both cases — one involving the death of a poodle at this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and the other relating to theft of a dog temporarily left in her care. On Thursday, she was scheduled to have an 8:30 a.m. arraignment only in the first case.

The cases have been set to go to trial back to back, with the first starting at 1:15 p.m. Aug. 19, said Municipal Court Administrative Judge Vic Miller.

The first case involves the alleged violation of the city’s dangerous dogs ordinance.

During the March 15 parade, a male German shepherd belonging to Price’s organization was walking with Saving Death Row Dogs when it bit and killed an 11-year-old, 3.5-pound, male teacup poodle named Toby, owned by Curtiss Chase.

Topeka’s chief of prosecution, Luther Ganieany Jr., on June 23 filed a second criminal case against Price, this time alleging one count of misdemeanor theft.

The charge relates to allegations that a Berryton couple left a purebred boxer in Price’s care temporarily, while they moved out of their apartment that prohibited big dogs. The couple claims their dog, Dodge, was adopted into a forever home one month into the four-month agreement.

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